Colts, Titans, Steelers, Jets named top landing spots for projected $80 million breakout receiver

The Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets have been linked to a breakout wide receiver in free agency this offseason.

Alec Pierce has blossomed into a dynamic playmaker for the Colts over the last two seasons, and though Sports Illustrated's Ethen Hutton believes Indianapolis could retain him, he also mentions the Titans, Steelers, and Jets as potential landing spots.

Pierce had a phenomenal 2025 campaign, posting his first 1,000-yard campaign with six touchdowns. The Cincinnati product also led the NFL in yards per reception (21.3) for the second straight season.

In under two months, Pierce will hit the free agency market as one of the top receivers. It would be wise for the Colts to bring back the young receiver, as he is only going to get better and is a homegrown talent they drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

However, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, and New York need help at receiver and could sign Pierce to fill that need.

The Titans are slated to have $93 million in cap space this offseason, and adding Pierce to pair with quarterback Cam Ward would be a logical move.

The Jets and Steelers are also set up with favorable cap situations, so they are also a threat to sign Pierce. New York and Pittsburgh don't have many dynamic receiving options outside of their No. 1 options, Garrett Wilson and DK Metcalf.

Spotrac projects Pierce will land a deal worth over $20 million annually. That may seem like an overpay, but the 25-year-old is an ascending player who is already one of the best deep threats in football. We'll see if the Colts re-sign Pierce or if he is wearing a new uniform in 2026.